STATEMENT ON SHARED GOVERNANCE

As Chair of the Board of Governors, I am pleased to affirm that West Liberty University is committed to the principles of shared governance, which ensure that faculty, administrators, staff, students, the Board of Governors, and alumni participate in the important decisions regarding the operation of the university.  While ultimate legal authority and accountability rest with the Board and administration, all stakeholders have a vested interest – relative to their specific roles and responsibilities – to participate in the governance of the institution.  At West Liberty University, shared governance is founded upon:  recognition of and respect for the many and varied roles of all stakeholders in the University community, clear and timely communication of information necessary for meaningful input to the decision-making process, ensuring all relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input on decisions that will affect them before those decisions are made, and an inclusive dialogue that respects divergent perspectives.  These principles and practices, which are best practices in higher education and our accepted standard, make the University stronger and more effective in the accomplishment our mission. Patrick B. Ford, CHAIR